Hall Effect Sensor
A Hall effect sensor is a transducer that varies its output voltage in response to a magnetic field, based on the Hall effect discovered by Edwin Hall in 1879. It detects the presence, strength, and polarity of magnetic fields without physical contact, making it ideal for non-invasive sensing applications. These sensors are commonly used in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics for tasks like position sensing, speed detection, and current measurement.
Developers should learn about Hall effect sensors when working on projects involving motion detection, proximity sensing, or electrical current monitoring, such as in robotics, automotive systems (e.g., for wheel speed sensors), or smart devices (e.g., for detecting lid closures). They are essential for applications requiring reliable, contactless sensing in harsh environments where mechanical wear or contamination is a concern, offering advantages like long lifespan and immunity to dust or moisture.